The homeowner told investigators that their housekeeper was standing at the kitchen sink when two masked men came inside through an unlocked back door.
HOUSTON — Three men are facing felony charges for a violent home invasion that happened at a west Houston home earlier this year.
Ethan Ratliff, 18, Erick Orellana, 21, and Hector Rodriguez Perez, 18, are each charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping.
Editor’s note: The video at the top of this article is from March.
According to court documents, Perez drove Ratliff and Orellana to a home on Longwoods Lane, in a neighborhood near the intersection of Memorial Drive and Chimney Rock Road, on March 25, around 9 a.m.
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The homeowner told investigators that their housekeeper was standing at the kitchen sink when two masked men came inside through an unlocked back door she had just used. Investigators said Ratliff and Orellana were the masked men.
“They threw her to the ground, duct-taped her ankles and her feet,” the homeowner said in an interview with KHOU 11 shortly after the incident happened.
Neither the homeowner nor their housekeeper of more than 20 years wanted to be identified out of fear for their safety.
The housekeeper said the suspects put her in a bathroom while they ransacked multiple rooms. She said they threatened to kill and rape her if she moved.
“They also dragged her around the house, asking where the money was, and they told her they would kill her and rape her. This was a perfect opportunity to do that,” the homeowner said.
Surveillance video showed the suspects leaving with guns and other items, and investigators said they ended up taking 7-10 rifles and shotguns, and some jewelry.
“It’s horrifying. Particularly for my housekeeper,” the homeowner said. “I can’t imagine how she’s going to sleep.”
According to court documents, Perez told investigators that he picked Orellana and Ratliff up when they called him after they were done in the house. He said he drove them to a hotel, and they told them about what they took from the house.
The housekeeper was able to get free and get a neighbor to call the police. She said the invasion lasted about 30 minutes.
Investigators said they were able to identify the getaway vehicle through surveillance video. When they talked to the owner, she told them her sister’s boyfriend was using the car at the time of the crime and had video evidence to prove it.
According to records, Perez was arrested on March 27, Orellana was arrested on July 3, and Ratliff was arrested on Aug. 25.
Perez is due back in court on Aug. 28, Orellana is due in court on Sept. 11, and it’s unclear when Ratliff will be back before a judge.
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